Earning a high school diploma and winning a new car in one week is a great way to begin summer vacation. Two recent high school graduates, Vanessa Umana from Polytechnic Senior High and Euri Tanaka from San Pedro Senior High, did just that. Now, each one owns a new 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. In all, 357 LAUSD high school seniors, who maintained perfect attendance from October 2012 through April 2013, entered a random drawing. Umana and Tanaka won cars as grand prizes.

“Winning the car is an amazing way to finish the year. I was focused on being in school and learning every day,’’ said Umana, who will be attending UC San Diego. The second winner, Euri Tanaka, was unable to attend the event but representing him at the news conference was San Pedro Senior High Principal Jeanette Stevens.

In addition, five LAUSD students with perfect attendance during the challenge period won iPads. Cash prizes of $3,000 also were awarded to six winning schools, recording high improvement in attendance, or demonstrating excellent attendance overall.

“We are so proud of our students and schools who have collectively said ‘I’m In’ by striving to achieve perfect attendance and getting us closer to 100% graduation,” said Mónica García, LAUSD Board President. “Their work has again increased academic achievement and graduation rates for LAUSD. Thank you to all of the adults for your work and a job well done.”

This announcement culminates a partnership with Clear Channel Media, Entertainment Los Angeles and other businesses to encourage and reward students with perfect attendance.

“Clear Channel Los Angeles is committed to using our airwaves to address critical issues like U.S. education,” said Greg Ashlock, Market President for Clear Channel Los Angeles. “The ‘I’m In’ Challenge was a fun and unique way to remind students and parents that the first step to a good education is simply showing up. The added rewards were also a great way to recognize local students and schools for their dedication and hard work during the academic school year.”

During the school year, the LAUSD “I’m In” School Attendance Challenge has provided more than 3,000 monthly prizes to students across this District, including amusement park multi-packs, gift cards, movie tickets, bicycles and more.

“I am grateful to Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Los Angeles and our corporate partners for their commitment to ensure that students from kindergarten through high school are in class and learning,” said LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy. “With commitment, partnership and a community-wide approach, we can succeed in getting more students in the classroom and achieving.”

For more information about the 2012-13 LAUSD "I'm In" School Attendance Challenge, visit http://pupilservices.lausd.net and www.facebook.com/ImInLAUSD.

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WINNERS OF THE 2012-13 LAUSD “I’M IN” SCHOOL ATTENDANCE CHALLENGE

CAR WINNERS

Vanessa Umana Polytechnic SH

Euri Tanaka San Pedro SH

iPad WINNERS

Andrea Morales Parmelee El

Elizabeth Rios-Gomez Canterbury El

Jasmine Vallejo Park Ave El

Azucena Anaya Sunrise El

Kymiya Mason YES Academy

SIX SCHOOL WINNERS – $3,000 CASH PRIZES

Quincy Jones Elementary

Balboa Gifted/High Ability Magnet Elementary

Hesby Oaks School

Ford Boulevard Elementary

Vena Avenue Elementary/High Ability Gifted Magnet

Miramonte Elementary

Photos: (top) Vanessa Umana of Polytechnic Senior High School was one of two students who won the grand prize, a new Chevrolet Sonic, for perfect school attendance from the Los Angeles Unified School District. Umana, who just graduated from high school, will be attending UC San Diego. (bottom) Several students won rewards from the Los Angeles Unified School District for perfect school attendance. Among the donated prizes handed out were iPads and two new cars.